According to James Cameron, an expert in Firearm law, there is nothing to be afraid of. “There is nothing new for the gun owner to be concerned about and the changes have been implemented to iron out admin issues.” James also says that the SAPS expect to counteract corruption through the implementation of the amendments to the law. The 2016 Firearm mandate makes it very clear that the stipulation of section 24 of the FCA law will be strictly adhered to insofar as:
- All firearms licenses must be renewed at least 90 days before the expiry date thereof.
- In cases where the application for renewal of the firearm license was not handed in to the DFO, at least 90 days before the expiry date of the firearm license, such firearm will then be dealt with in accordance with Section 28 of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000).
- Section 28 of the Firearms Control Act determines that, firearm licenses of firearms which were not renewed at least 90 days before the expiry date of the license, will be terminated automatically.
- This Section of the Act further stipulates that the holder of such license will receive notice that representations can be made within 30 days, as to the reasons why the license should not be terminated.
- The Registrar will then consider the representations and should it be refused, the firearm owner shall be granted 60 days in which to dispose of the firearm in a prescribed manner and if not done, the firearm will be forfeited to the state.
- This directive only applies to the so called “white” license or licenses issued in terms of the new Firearms Control Act namely Act 60 of 2000.
James cautions gun owners that it is vital that they adhere to the new amendments and its stipulations. “Don’t be an ostrich with its head in the ground, sooner or later the system will flag you and indicate that your license has expired, there is no way to escape the system.